Looking for the best things to do and places to go in Denver? You’ve come to the right place! Denver is a vibrant and exciting city, with plenty of unique attractions and activities to explore. From historic sites to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Denver. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 10 unique places to visit in Denver that will make your trip memorable.
10 Unique Places to Go in Denver
- The Donut House
- The Tattered Cover Bookstore & Cafe
- The Cherry Cricket
- The Falling Rock Tap House
- The Buckhorn Exchange
- The Larimer Square
- The 16th Street Mall
- The Great Divide Brewing Company
- The Rocky Mountain National Park
- The Boulder Reservoir
1) The Donut House
If you’re looking for a unique breakfast experience in Denver, The Donut House is a must-visit attraction. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this local gem has been serving up fresh, handmade donuts since 1971. With over 50 different flavors, including classic options like glazed and chocolate, as well as more unique creations like bacon maple and Fruity Pebbles, there’s a donut for everyone’s taste buds. In addition to their delicious donuts, The Donut House offers a variety of coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches to pair with your sweet treat. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of sightseeing or activities in Denver.
Pro tip: The Donut House offers tours of their bakery, where visitors can see the donut-making process in action and even decorate their donuts. This is a fun activity for families or groups of friends looking to have a unique experience in Denver.
2) The Tattered Cover Bookstore & Cafe
If you’re a book lover, The Tattered Cover Bookstore & Cafe is a must-visit spot in Denver. This iconic independent bookstore offers a cozy atmosphere and an impressive selection of books across a variety of genres.
In addition to browsing their extensive book collection, you can also grab a coffee or pastry at their cafe. And if you’re interested in taking a behind-the-scenes look at the bookstore, they offer tours where you can learn about the history of the store and its place in Denver’s literary scene.
While you’re in the area, make sure to also take some time for sightseeing around the surrounding historic district of LoDo (Lower Downtown), where you’ll find plenty of charming architecture and unique shops to explore. The Tattered Cover Bookstore & Cafe is just one of many memorable places to check out during your trip to Denver.
Related Post: 15 Fun and Unusual Things To Do in Denver
3) The Cherry Cricket
The Cherry Cricket in Denver is an iconic burger joint that has been serving up delicious burgers and drinks since 1945. The Cherry Cricket’s charm is not just in its burgers but also in its cozy, quirky decor, and local history. It’s a juicy beef patty with a variety of toppings such as green chiles, bacon, or avocado. You can even customize your burger with a wide selection of toppings to suit your taste buds. If you’re vegetarian, they have delicious veggie burgers too.
Apart from burgers, The Cherry Cricket also has a great selection of beers, cocktails, and appetizers to accompany your meal. Don’t forget to try their sweet potato fries and fried pickles, they’re the perfect side dish to complete your burger experience. With its unique and comfortable atmosphere, The Cherry Cricket is an ideal spot for a casual meal with friends and family. You’ll love their fun vibe and tasty burgers. Make sure to add The Cherry Cricket to your list of must-visit places in Denver.
4) The Falling Rock Tap House
The Falling Rock Tap House is the ultimate spot for beer enthusiasts. With over 75 beers on tap and over 125 bottled beers from around the world, there is something for everyone to try. Located in downtown Denver, this iconic beer bar is known for its extensive selection of local craft beers as well as hard-to-find brews from all over the world.
The interior of the Falling Rock Tap House is cozy and inviting, with a rustic brick facade and dim lighting that creates a relaxing ambiance. The walls are adorned with beer memorabilia, and there are several flat-screen TVs broadcasting sports games. The menu at the Falling Rock Tap House includes a variety of delicious pub fare, from burgers and sandwiches to appetizers and salads. One of their most popular dishes is the B.L.T. (Bison, Lettuce, and Tomato) sandwich, which is made with locally sourced bison meat.
Their knowledgeable staff can help you navigate their extensive beer menu and recommend a brew that perfectly matches your taste preferences. And with their rotating selection of seasonal beers, you’re sure to find something new and exciting every time you visit.
5) The Buckhorn Exchange
The Buckhorn Exchange is a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Denver who wants to experience the city’s Wild West heritage. Founded in 1893, it’s Denver’s oldest restaurant, and it’s still serving up fantastic food today. When you walk into the Buckhorn Exchange, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. The decor is all Western, with animal heads mounted on the walls and antique firearms hanging from the ceiling. You’ll also see memorabilia from the restaurant’s long history, including photos of famous visitors like Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower.
But as impressive as the decor is, the food is what shines at the Buckhorn Exchange. The restaurant is known for its wild game, which you won’t find at most restaurants. Try the Rocky Mountain oysters (bull testicles), if you’re feeling adventurous, or the buffalo prime rib if you’re not. There are also plenty of more traditional options on the menu, like steak and seafood.
The Buckhorn Exchange also has a great bar, where you can order a variety of local craft beers and cocktails. And if you’re interested in Denver’s drinking history, be sure to check out the museum on the second floor, which houses an impressive collection of Western memorabilia. If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience in Denver, the Buckhorn Exchange is worth a visit. Just make sure to come hungry!
6) The Larimer Square
If you’re looking for a charming and historic area to explore in Denver, look no further than Larimer Square. This area was the first commercial district in Denver and has a long and rich history. Today, it’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife spots.
Start your visit by exploring the unique shops that line the streets of Larimer Square. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to locally crafted souvenirs. If you’re looking for a unique piece of clothing, stop by one of the many boutique shops that call Larimer Square home. When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, you’ll find plenty of options here. Larimer Square is known for its diverse dining scene, with everything from fine dining to casual cafes. Stop by Ocean Prime for some of the best seafood in the city, or head to Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen for a great selection of craft beer and hearty pub food.
After dinner, stick around to enjoy the nightlife scene. Larimer Square is home to several bars and clubs that offer everything from live music to dance parties. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill. Overall, Larimer Square is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Denver. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a great night out, you’ll find it all here. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!
7) The 16th Street Mall
If you’re looking for a bustling area to explore, the 16th Street Mall is worth a visit. This pedestrian mall stretches for one mile through downtown Denver and is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
One of the unique aspects of the 16th Street Mall is the free shuttle service that runs up and down the street. Hop on and off at your leisure and explore the various stops along the way. Denver Pavilions is a shopping and dining destination with over 40 stores and restaurants. Catch a movie at the United Artists Theater, enjoy a meal at Maggiano’s Little Italy, or stock up on outdoor gear at REI.
For those interested in street performers and musicians, the 16th Street Mall is also a hub for entertainment. You’ll likely see a variety of talented artists showcasing their skills throughout the day and evening.
Overall, the 16th Street Mall is a great spot to people-watch, do some shopping, and soak up the energy of downtown Denver. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!
8) The Great Divide Brewing Company
If you’re a beer enthusiast, the Great Divide Brewing Company should be your must-visit place in Denver. Located in the RiNo (River North) Art District, the Great Divide Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning craft beers since 1994. You can take a tour of the brewery, which includes tastings of their most popular beers, such as the Yeti Imperial Stout and the Colette Farmhouse Ale. You can also sit in the taproom and enjoy a pint or flight of their current beers on tap.
What makes the Great Divide Brewing Company unique is its commitment to sustainability. They use a heat recovery system to reduce their energy usage and recycle their spent grain to local farmers for animal feed. They even have an in-house water treatment facility that allows them to reuse their wastewater in their brewing process.
9) The Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re a nature enthusiast, a visit to The Rocky Mountain National Park is a good place in Denver. This national park is home to an extensive trail system that includes scenic drives, hikes, and campgrounds. With over 355 miles of hiking trails, you can explore alpine lakes, wildlife, and stunning mountain views.
One of the most popular trails in the park is the Bear Lake Trail. The trailhead is located just a short drive from Estes Park and leads you to an enchanting alpine lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. During the summer, you can take a boat ride across the lake or take a guided hike through the park.
If you’re up for a more challenging hike, head over to the Longs Peak Trailhead. This trail is the highest peak in the park, with an elevation of over 14,000 feet. The hike to the summit takes about 12 hours round trip, but the views from the top are worth it.
Another highlight of the Rocky Mountain National Park is the wildlife. Keep an eye out for moose, elk, and bighorn sheep that roam the park’s valleys and mountains. The park also has several ranger-led programs that include stargazing, wildlife viewing, and guided hikes.
In addition to hiking and wildlife watching, you can also enjoy fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding in the park. No matter what your interests are, the Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the park’s stunning scenery. Whether you’re exploring the trails or simply taking in the views from the comfort of your car, the Rocky Mountain National Park will leave you breathless.
10) The Boulder Reservoir
For those looking for a day trip out of Denver, the Boulder Reservoir is a great option. Located just 40 minutes northwest of downtown Denver, this reservoir offers a beautiful and serene escape from the city. The reservoir covers over 700 acres and is surrounded by picturesque mountains. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your visit, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in the pristine waters.
In addition to water activities, the Boulder Reservoir has hiking and biking trails, perfect for exploring the surrounding natural beauty. There are also picnic areas and grills available, making it a great spot for a family outing or a romantic picnic. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at fly fishing or bring your boat to fish in the reservoir. There are also opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, making this a nature lover’s paradise.